At a required public hearing, Augusta Housing Authority officials notified about 100 residents in attendance that the application for demolition is nearly completed but won’t be submitted to U.S. Housing and Urban Development until mid- to late May.

HUD has up to six months to rule on the application but could make a decision in as little as one or two months, said Buddy Oldfield, director of resident services.

If the application is approved, the housing authority must give a required 90-day notice to residents before beginning to move out residents.

When the housing authority announced the planned demolition in October, officials said they hoped to have HUD approval this spring so residents with children could move out before a new school year began.

“We hope it’s soon for your sake. We want to get this thing done,” Oldfield told the residents Tuesday.

Unlike prior public meetings at Cherry Tree Crossing, residents listened quietly, asking few questions. Many said they’ve been well-informed by the housing authority.

“I am waiting patiently,” said resident Darlene Mathis. “There are so many families here and you just can’t rush things.”

Laura Jones, who has three school-aged sons, said she doesn’t want to move during the school year but that the housing authority has handled the process properly.

“They are doing it the way they need to be doing it,” Jones said.

Richard Arfman, director of planning and development, said the application for demolition was delayed while the city completed a required environment review. Requirements for Georgia’s historic preservation office were also time-consuming, he said.

Sara Brunson, a Cherry Tree resident for more than 10 years, said the extra time before moving out allows families to search for new housing and save money for moving expenses.

“They (residents) have adjusted to the fact that this move is going to be good for their family.”

Cherry Tree residents can submit written comments on the proposed demolition to the Augusta Housing Authority until April 26.

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Is everyone happy? You will get a new apartment and we'll have a moving company move you. We'll drive your kids to school so they can complete the year at their old school. So much fawning attention paid to the residents you would think they were paying renters.

The pros. are that the projects get demolished for better use of land besides the younger generation selling drugs on every corner. The Cons. are that all those juvenilles that sell drugs in that area are going to be moving up towards the Augusta Mall. I dont know about you but i dont want criminals living next door to my family.

Well plenty of areas can be considered towards the mall if you're mentioning Barton Chapel located on the other side of town.

Many of the residents living in Gilbert Manor moved right into another public housing development(Lake Olmstead Homes). If you seem to think Cherry Tree is located 'downtown' then so is Olmstead Homes. I also don't know why some think all of the people will remain in Richmond County.

I'm a teacher at the feeder school for Cherry Tree Crossing and you guys on here are always so negative towards the people in this area. Granted crime rates are higher, but when you grow up with both parents, attend the best schools, able to afford the nicest meals and nicest clothing, and are experienced to finer aspects of life; its probably a lot easier to point the finger and the ones who don't. My point is find a way to help, get to truly know people before you judge. Oh I forgot, you're scared of all "these people" in this area, hope that finger you're pointing pleases the Lord.

Man, I get confused talking about downtown, CBD, etc. We all know the borders of the old city and its 44,000 population. That's the true urban-city area. That's such a small area couldn't we just call it all downtown instead of trying to have an uptown too? In my mind, there is the old city and the old county.